GAP year student Ben Isaacs from Cowbridge has made a flying start to his career ambitions after winning a top industry prize.

Mr Isaacs, 19, won the Engineering Employer's Federation award for identifying efficiency savings that could potentially create additional revenue in excess of &#xA3;100,000 for his employers, the Defence Aviation and Repair Agency (Dara) at St Athan.

He investigated and developed procedures that could allow a modification of the centre fuel tank in Sea Harriers to be carried out more efficiently.

It can also help to overhaul the company's planning process by updating and maintaining computer-based information.

These savings mean that aircraft are on the ground for a shorter time allowing more aircraft to be serviced by releasing people and hangar space for more business - this extra capacity could potentially earn the company up to &#xA3;100,000 annually.

After receiving a prize of &#xA3;500 the teenager will now represent South Wales in the national competition to find the gap year student that contributed most to business across the UK.

Martin Bibey, education and skills adviser for EEF and chair of the judges, said, "Ben, and all the students we met at the awards, displayed an enthusiasm for manufacturing and engineering allied to a willingness to tackle complex challenges.

"It is those skills that the sector needs if Britain is to maintain its position at the forefront of industry in years to come.

"It is estimated that this year's participating students will have contributed nearly a quarter-of-a-million pounds to businesses in Wales as a result of the success of the projects that they have undertaken."

Mr Isaacs said, "I wanted a gap year to take a break from education. The Year in Industry programme allowed that while also earning a wage and giving me an insight into mechanical engineering - the subject I will study at Cardiff University in September.

"Working with aircraft has been a dream come true and a perfect introduction to my dream job as a pilot. Thanks to Dara, I saved enough money to enrol on flying lessons in America."

Dai Morris, head of aircraft planning and support at Dara, said, "Ben is the first person to work at Dara as a gap year student, and his skills and professionalism means he won't be the last.

"He started as a slightly nervous school-leaver and over the course of the year became a valued member of staff."